Richard J Dvorak

It is with deep sorrow and heartfelt love that we announce the passing of Richard James Dvorak, a beloved rancher and farmer, devoted family member, and pillar of the community, who passed away peacefully on May 25, 2025, at the age of 93.
Born on November 27, 1931, in Fremont, Nebraska, to Albert and Emma (Bauer) Dvorak, he grew up near North Bend, Nebraska, and was a 1949 graduate of Fremont High.
He married Lois Ann Finnegan on October 10, 1950, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in North Bend. To that union, seven children were born: Nancy, Jerry, Cindy, Rick, Bob, Tom, and Jeff.
Richard spent his life working the land with grit, grace, and unwavering dedication. From sunrise to sunset and through every season and storm, he exemplified the values of hard work, honesty, and humility that define the farming and ranching life. Whether tending to livestock, fixing fences, or mentoring younger ranchers, he approached every task with pride and purpose.
As newlyweds, they began their lives in Ames, Nebraska, milking cows. After years spent milking cows, they moved to North Bend, where he worked for Kruger Feed and Seed and hauled popcorn for Blevin's Popcorn Company. Soon after moving their family to the country to farm, he and Lois Ann decided to move their family to Stuart, Nebraska, making the town their forever home. From that moment on, family roots intertwined with deep bonds of love and respect. Over time, his compassionate heart and welcoming presence made him a home for all who crossed his path. He became a grandpa to everyone fortunate enough to meet him.
Richard's strong work ethic and love for people were evident in the wide range of jobs he held throughout his years. Every job displayed his craft of hard work, versatility, and jack-of-all-trades skills, along with the common thread of winning hearts and earning deep respect from everyone he met. His many jobs included farming and ranching, selling seed corn, driving a route for Sandy Pine, and working for Werner Construction. In his everyday life, Richard personified the saying, "When you love what you are doing, you will never work a day in your life." He worked even through struggles and continued all the way up to his final days.
In Richard's early years of marriage, he enjoyed bowling. He mentored the youth by coaching softball and baseball. He raised and showed horses in his spare time and was always up for a chance to cast his fishing pole. Richard was a devoted blood donor and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was proud to be part of the Tractor Pull Association and competed up until the age of 92.
Richard's love was farming and ranching. This passion brought him joy each and every day, though it was not comparable to the time he spent with family and friends. At times when he was among family, he proudly would state, "Look what I started."
A deeply respected figure in the ranching and agricultural community, Richard was admired not only for his unwavering work ethic but also for his kindness, wisdom, and steady hand. Everyone who knew him could agree that his touch of orneriness only added to his charm. His strong personality made him compelling and outspoken. Fiercely passionate and steadfast in his beliefs, he was a determined fighter when it came to protecting his deeply rooted values. He had a quiet strength, a deep love for the land, and a heart as open as the wide skies under which he lived. Richard impacted the lives of all he met. Each person who knew him carries a unique and lasting memory of the warmth and joy his presence brought into their lives.
Beyond the farm and ranch, Richard was a cherished spouse, parent, grandparent, great-grandpa, and friend. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and life lessons that will be carried on by all who knew him.
Richard is survived by his daughter Nancy and Mark Snover of Stuart; sons and spouses Jerry (Kim) Dvorak, Bob (Judy) Dvorak, Tom (Peggy) Dvorak, Jeff (Cheri) Dvorak of Stuart, and Rick (Katie) Dvorak of Oconto, Nebraska. He is survived by 15 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren, a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, other family members, and loyal friends. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, the love of his life, Lois Ann; daughter Cindy Sue; daughter-in-law Connie; his two brothers; his four sisters and their spouses.
A visitation and rosary to celebrate Richard's life will be held on Thursday, May 29, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Stuart, Nebraska. A funeral service and his burial will take place on Friday, May 30. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations and memorials be made to the Stuart Fire and Rescue Department, the Stuart FFA Chapter, and West Holt Memorial Hospital, honoring Richard's enduring spirit and love for the land and people.
Though the boots are now still and the cap rests by the door, Richard's legacy rides on in every sunrise over open pasture, every harvest brought in, and every life he touched with compassion and care. Words of wisdom from Richard, who lived to the age of 93: "Life's too short not to smile."